Eight days after Columbia High School won the state sportsmanship award, its student athletes are being recognized again – this time for their academic accomplishments. Columbia was selected as a School of Excellence Award winner on Tuesday by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) for having 75% of its varsity teams earn Scholar-Athlete Awards in 2019-20 (90% GPA or above).

The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite varsity coaches in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor, according to the NYSPHSAA.

This year, 56 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 140 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.

“We are excited once again to see the numbers of schools honored increase and it is a true testament to the kind of student-athletes we were have here in New York State,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “We continue to be proud of this program which highlights and celebrates schools that value the importance of academics, as well as athletics. The fact that so many student-athletes thrived in the face of a pandemic this past winter is truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our student athletes, families, coaches and teachers!

Congratulations to our student athletes, families, coaches and teachers! ? @ColumbiaDevils @Columbia_HS_BD https://t.co/AOfQOuk1Em

— East Greenbush CSD (@EGreenbushCSD) July 21, 2020